けんちん汁 （けんちんじる / Kenchin-jiru）
Vegetable miso soup
- Category
- Soup
- Main Ingredient
- Vegetables
Kenchin-jiru is a soup made by sautéing root vegetables and tofu in sesame oil before simmering them in broth. Originally a Buddhist vegetarian dish, it avoids meat and fish.
When / How to Eat
Typically enjoyed in colder seasons, this hearty soup is served at home or in temples as part of traditional vegetarian meals.
Cultural Background
Thought to originate from Zen temples in the Kamakura period, Kenchin-jiru is said to have derived its name from Kencho-ji, one of Japan’s oldest Zen temples.
Cautions
While traditionally vegetarian, modern versions may include meat such as pork, which diverges from the original Buddhist intent.